Chapter 129: Senritsu Kaiki Uma Musume Kowasugi! File-02 [Extreme Concentration! The Black Assassin]

I tap the turf with the horseshoe-fitted training shoes on my feet. Thud. Thud.

Without question, the part we Uma Musume injure most easily when we run is the ankle joint. When we cover long distances at our kind of speed, the strain inevitably accumulates in our legs. Flexible joints and load-bearing bones take the brunt of it—that’s why breakdowns are so common.

At a base level, the roughly 70 km/h we run simply isn’t something a human-shaped body should be capable of. It’s only because of that absurd, mysterious Uma Musume power that such speed is possible. Even so—or perhaps precisely because of that—the resulting stress can’t be avoided.

That’s why our legs are delicate and fragile.

Sometimes they’re even called “glass legs.”

I wasn’t especially knowledgeable about racehorses in my previous life, but maybe they were fragile in the legs too. If so… they must’ve had it rough. Wanting to run but being unable to. Wanting to keep going but being forced to stop.

I experienced that same kind of restraint last year.

Well, in my case, I had an incredibly understanding Trainer who supported me devotedly, so it never felt quite that unbearable.

…Huh?

When did I start thinking from a horse’s perspective?

My thoughts have truly drifted away from being human.

Then again, even if I was human in my previous life, I’ve been reincarnated as an Uma Musume in this one. Maybe that shift is only natural.

Still, the way your thinking changes like that is a little frightening.

Hypothetically, if I somehow returned to my old world while still being an Uma Musume, I’d probably find it impossible to live there. One look at a stable might make me dizzy at how horses are treated. If I saw horse meat, I’d likely feel sick. Worst case, I might even blurt out, “You only ever prioritize human convenience!”

There were things I left unfinished in my previous life. Not that there were none… but with how much my mental framework has changed, even if I went back, I’d probably just feel out of place.

In that sense, I don’t really want to return anymore.

Honestly, I feel more attached to this world now. It’s harder to let go of.

I suppose I’ve truly become a resident of this world.

…

Right. I got sidetracked.

Anyway, our racing legs are strong—and at the same time, fragile.

Obviously—even I, the so-called reincarnation-cheat Uma Musume, am no exception.

Just like during the Japan Derby and the Takarazuka Kinen, no matter how “buffed” my reincarnated body might be, if I overdo it, I’ll end up with inflammation or fractures all the same.

…Compared to the “anime reincarnation” version, though, this body honestly isn’t strong enough to call it outright cheating.

Maybe my strength isn’t even a cheat. Maybe Hoshino Wilm is just a freakishly strong outlier.

…No, probably not. Ayumu-san once said my stats were unnaturally high even at the time of enrollment. There’s a good chance my physical strength really is tied to some kind of reincarnation bonus.

Well, whatever. If I were too overpowered, racing wouldn’t be fun.

The fact that my boost is just enough to compete on even footing with Nature, Teio, and McQueen-san? I’d call that the best possible balance.

Still, “just enough” means I could be injured or break something if I’m careless.

As Ayumu-san’s Uma Musume, I can’t afford to make that mistake again.

So I make sure my warm-up is thorough—loosening my joints, getting my body moving, finishing my stretches properly.

Normally, I might slack off a little more.

But today, I finally get to properly run with my junior.

So I prepare carefully… and make sure the lesson sinks in nice and clear.

"Senpai."

"Mm. I’m ready. Let’s do this."

I smile back at Bourbon-chan in her jersey as she calls out to me.

All right then… let’s keep it reasonable.

---

The day after Bourbon-chan’s Satsuki Sho, our team held its usual strategy meeting.

For me, it was business as usual—reviewing race conditions, course characteristics, rival Uma Musume. At the end, I was handed a detailed race plan file and told to review it by tomorrow.

For Bourbon-chan, on the other hand, there were several interviews and confirmations.

Specifically, about the “unknown heat” she felt—and what she thought about it.

The conclusion was simple.

Bourbon-chan had finally learned how to enjoy racing.

Ah, what a joyous occasion. Should we celebrate with red rice for dinner? No—if I remember correctly, tonight’s menu is mackerel in miso and some greens.

Still, it made sense that she’d enjoyed it.

Rice-chan in the Satsuki Sho was on another level.

She didn’t concern herself with what others were doing, the race tempo, or even her remaining stamina. She simply kept chasing Bourbon-chan from a distance she knew would let her overtake in the end.

If Bourbon-chan had maintained the same pace, she might have been passed at the last second. No—she absolutely would have been overtaken by a nose. The distance was that precise.

Apparently, Rice-chan’s sheer intensity ignited both Bourbon-chan’s heart and heels.

After the Satsuki Sho, Bourbon-chan’s eyes burned with anticipation for their rematch at the Japan Derby a month later.

I understand.

I really do.

When you’ve been cruising to easy victories and suddenly get cornered, it makes your blood boil. I know exactly how that feels.

It seems that egging Rice-chan on ended up having a positive effect on both her and Bourbon-chan. I’ll admit it—I was ridiculously happy.

Last year, I was the one being saved by Ayumu-san. So knowing I could pass even a fraction of what I received on to the next generation? Of course that feels good.

…Really.

It’s not like I’m excited because they’ve grown stronger and future races are going to be more thrilling or anything.

Not at all.

Anyway.

Bourbon-chan defined the heat welling up in her chest as “fun.”

That alone is wonderful.

But from the perspective of her Classic campaign, it also created a problem.

Namely—

Rice Shower is too strong.

I did provoke Rice-chan so Bourbon-chan could experience that thrill, but I definitely didn’t expect her to awaken like that.

Sure, I listened to her concerns and offered some advice—but can someone really discover their ideal running style that perfectly from a casual conversation alone?

Then again, sometimes an offhand remark pierces straight through someone’s sensibilities.

As a senior, I’m thrilled.

As a former Mihora fan-otaku… I have complicated feelings.

In any case, Rice-chan became dramatically stronger in the Satsuki Sho.

She nearly overtook Bourbon-chan, forcing her to unleash her full competitive instinct.

The result was a 2½-length margin to second place—Rice-chan.

But honestly?

This isn’t a situation where we can relax.

Rice-chan saw the true pace Mihono Bourbon had been hiding.

By the Japan Derby, she’ll likely be able to match it.

In other words, Bourbon-chan has already revealed her hidden cards.

And Rice-chan specializes in overtaking opponents who’ve shown their full hand.

At this rate, Bourbon-chan might lose to Rice-chan at the Japan Derby.

Of course, Ayumu-san isn’t the type to abandon her.

During the strategy meeting, he unveiled his strengthening plan for Bourbon-chan.

And what he proposed was—

A mock race. Just me and Bourbon-chan.

---

On the reserved training turf at Tracen Academy, Bourbon-chan and I take our positions at the starting line.

Well—we do, but the Trainer who’s supposed to drop the starting flag isn’t in position yet.

Together with Assistant Trainer Masa-san, she’s busy managing the crowd gathering around us.

"The Trainers look busy."

"What purpose have they gathered here for?"

At Bourbon-chan’s words, I glance around.

There aren’t just a few onlookers. Surrounding us is a sizable crowd of Uma Musume and Trainers.

Fifty… no, closer to a hundred. Black hair, brown hair; black-bay, bay, chestnut, even a few grays.

While we were warming up, racing Uma Musume and their Trainers gradually gathered until they ended up encircling the turf.

And their purpose?

Well. It’s obvious.

"They want to see us run."

"Fans?"

"Ah, sure, some of them. But about half are rival camps doing reconnaissance."

"I request a simpler explanation."

You’re the one saying that, Bourbon-chan?

I chuckle.

"We’re G1-level Uma Musume. Top tier in the Twinkle Series.

If we hold a mock race, people will want to analyze our techniques, study race development, or directly assess our strengths and weaknesses."

"I understand."

"Though yeah, I definitely feel some fan-like gazes too."

That chestnut-haired girl staring at us so intensely? She’s probably a fan.

Feels like I’ve seen her somewhere… but I can’t quite place her.

I shift my gaze elsewhere.

Maybe half are fans.

The rest are definitely here to scout.

Well, anyone competing in this country would want to know Hoshino Wilm’s weaknesses. Watching as many of my races as possible makes sense.

For example—

Huh?

Is that Meek-senpai… and her Trainer?

We didn’t announce this in advance. Did she come just to watch?

That makes me a little happy… though with her Trainer here too, it’s probably reconnaissance for the Takarazuka Kinen.

"Anyway, let’s not worry about it. On race day, there’ll be hundreds—maybe thousands—watching."

"Yes."

Bourbon-chan doesn’t seem shaken at all. If anything, she looks fired up.

There’s a faint heat in her eyes.

Her condition is good. She’s like a bud on the verge of blooming.

All she needs now… is to learn how to handle that heat.

---

By the time the Trainers finish directing the crowd, the audience has grown to nearly two hundred.

At this point, that number doesn’t faze us.

While we wait, Bourbon-chan and I review the mock race plan.

This isn’t a full-on serious race.

It’s for her growth—to let her experience a version of me running at something close to full strength.

That much needs to be clear from the start.

Naturally, the growth of an Uma Musume’s physical ability follows a logarithmic curve.

At first, it skyrockets. But the more refined you become, the more incremental and meticulous that growth becomes.

That’s why, during the Classic year, early-born or early-maturing Uma Musume tend to have an advantage.

In that sense, the Satsuki Sho truly is a race that demands speed and rapid development.

By the way, it seems the raw numbers in Ayumu-san’s data don’t fully capture this nuance.

In simple terms, going from 100 to 200 and going from 1000 to 1100 may show the same numerical increase, but the actual difference in substance isn’t equivalent.

Of course, Ayumu-san is aware of that. He evaluates races with that in mind, so there’s no issue.

Back to the point—Bourbon-chan is currently in April of her Classic year.

She’s still in a phase of rapid growth.

…Wait. “Phase”? That made me sound ancient.

I don’t like how that came out.

Let’s call it a period. Yes—a period where physical ability improves very easily.

But that also means she’s still only halfway there.

Against someone like me—already well-refined in the Senior class—it’s a little too soon.

If she were to truly clash with me at full force… that would probably be in autumn, when the mixed Classic–Senior races begin.

…Thinking about it that way, when I ran in the Takarazuka Kinen last year, I really was taking on something reckless.

I won in the end, sure—but barely. I scraped by after stepping into territory I’d never used before, stacking my “anime reincarnation” boost with Ten-sei Spurt and pouring out absolutely everything I had.

I had reincarnation-cheat power backing me up.

Asking whether Bourbon-chan could do the same?

Honestly, that’s doubtful.

No—let’s be blunt. That would be nightmare-level difficulty.

That’s why there’s almost no chance Bourbon-chan wins this race.

She probably can’t even push me to go all out.

And precisely because of that—

This race isn’t about fighting at full power to decide who’s stronger.

I’ll be holding back somewhat. That sounds worse than it is. Really, I’m just placing limits on myself.

You know. Like those shōnen manga fights where someone wears full-body weights.

Even so—

I’m not going to lose.

If it looks like I might, I’ll get serious.

I market myself as the strong senpai, after all.

I can’t have my senior dignity shattered.

…Besides.

If Bourbon-chan really is that strong, letting her feel the heat of my true intensity wouldn’t be a bad thing either.

---

Surrounded by hundreds of onlookers, our mock race finally begins.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Take your positions.”

At the Trainer’s voice, Bourbon-chan and I step up to the starting line once more.

As I lower into my stance, my thoughts cool and sharpen.

Bourbon-chan—unsurprisingly—mirrors me almost exactly.

The starting technique Ayumu-san taught us is identical.

We begin from the same posture. The same mental state.

And yet—

“Ready…!”

Even so.

There is an unbridgeable gap between us.

The instant the flag swings down, we kick off the turf and surge forward.

At the break, we’re perfectly side by side.

But—

One step. Two. Three.

I complete my acceleration almost instantly and surge ahead of Bourbon-chan.

“…!”

With my sharpened hearing, I catch the faint sound of someone behind us gasping.

Heh. Did that surprise you?

I’m capping my top speed—but I poured quite a bit into that acceleration. It must have been jarring.

Using every technique at my disposal, I finish accelerating in a flash and open up a lead of just over three lengths.

Of course, since I’m limiting my pure speed, Bourbon-chan quickly begins closing the gap.

In response, I nudge the pace up slightly.

I maintain exactly one length ahead and continue running.

The distance is the same as the Satsuki Sho—2000 meters.

Since this is only a mock race, not the real thing, Bourbon-chan was supposed to run at a slower pace than yesterday.

Heh. Maybe she panicked trying to catch me—her tempo is just a little too eager.

…Ah. And now she’s adjusted.

She noticed her own impatience and corrected it.

As expected of Bourbon-chan. Her sense of pace control is far sharper than mine.

But in a real race, that brief extra expenditure of stamina would come back to bite her later.

Well, that’s the point of mock races. Even small mistakes become lessons.

After that, the race settles into something close to side-by-side running.

Bourbon-chan maintains a steady pace, and I match her.

We’re not trying to overtake. We’re simply running.

Even as we pass the second straight, I’m still completely comfortable.

As Ayumu-san says, my stamina is the best in the country. At this relaxed tempo, I could probably go for 4000 meters.

At this rate, I’ll win.

My victory over Bourbon-chan isn’t in doubt.

I’m the senpai, after all.

…But.

That doesn’t mean Bourbon-chan is weak.

Let me be honest.

Up until this moment, there was a part of me that underestimated her.

I mean, I beat Teio by about eight lengths in the Satsuki Sho.

Compared to that, Bourbon-chan beat Rice-chan by two and a half lengths. Sure, she hadn’t fully flipped her switch yet—but still.

Even knowing that a G1 victory is incredible, I can’t deny that somewhere in the back of my mind, I thought, “So that’s her level.”

And the status sheet Ayumu-san showed me? Bourbon-chan’s numbers were just a little over half of mine.

If we’re talking strictly “at this point in time,” there should have been an unbridgeable gap between us.

Yes, there’s a gap.

And precisely because that gap exists…

Running alongside her, I feel it in my bones.

Mihono Bourbon is a genuine genius.

Now that we’re nearing the final stretch of the race, there isn’t the slightest disruption in Bourbon-chan’s stride.

She’s supposed to be suited for shorter distances.

And yet, at this distance—running beside a fairly serious version of me, at a solid pace—she hasn’t faltered.

On top of that, as expected, her tempo is perfectly steady.

Practically mechanical. Cold. Unwavering.

Almost like a cyborg.

It’s different from my own “cold mode,” but she’s fully focused—not just on the race, but on executing Ayumu-san’s instructions with absolute precision.

…Yeah.

That’s good.

It’s a very, very good run.

Mihono Bourbon is strong.

More accurately, she’s an Uma Musume who will become far, far stronger from here on out.

That surge I felt from her that day wasn’t my imagination.

This girl… will entertain me.

So—

For you, I don’t mind showing it.

"I’m going, Bourbon-chan."

Midway through the third corner—

I release the heat rising within me and open my Domain.

A universe wrapped in starlight burns itself into the back of my eyelids.

A place warmed by love, upheld by countless people and countless Uma Musume.

My world. My Domain.

The stellar sky shining in the heavens.

“This is… this is—”

Bourbon-chan’s stunned voice reaches me as she’s swallowed into it.

That’s right.

This is the final stage of the “heat” you possess.

The hidden depth that you and Rice-chan will one day reach—the secret pinnacle of racing Uma Musume.

Well, “secret” might be overselling it. Anyone who climbs high enough into the top tier almost certainly touches this realm.

You could call it the first step toward becoming a true elite.

And surely—

If you intend to keep defeating a Rice-chan who’s gone all out, you’ll have to master something like this.

I still remember it.

Rice-chan during that clash with McQueen-san in the second season of the anime from my previous life.

The ghostly light leaking from her eyes. Everything else discarded. Her focus narrowed to a single point: defeating Mejiro McQueen.

Back then, I didn’t know anything about racing Uma Musume.

I just thought she looked so cool.

Pouring your heart and soul into facing a powerful rival—that’s the essence of sports drama.

She wasn’t just a cute girl flailing around. She ran with her face drawn tight with resolve. At the time, she felt even more like the protagonist than Teio or McQueen-san.

But now?

I can’t just call that “cool.”

An Uma Musume capable of wearing that expression—

is frightening.

And at the same time, it makes me want to race her even sooner.

Strangely enough, it feels similar to Nature—my senior, who shares the same Trainer as Rice-chan.

Nature calculates every aspect of a race, exploits every condition, and sets traps to bring you down.

Rice-chan abandons calculation entirely, fixates on a single opponent, and throws everything into chasing them down.

They’re almost complete opposites in style.

But they share one thing.

They’re terrifying.

When Nature is at her peak, you can’t read her at all.

I counter her with my reincarnation bonus and the years of effort I’ve put in since childhood—but her mental agility is extraordinary. I’d probably have to activate “anime reincarnation” just to keep up.

And since I fight primarily with physical strength, Nature’s style is the worst possible matchup for me.

As Ayumu-san once put it last year, “Hoshino Wilm’s strongest rival is Tokai Teio, but her most frightening rival is Nice Nature.”

And the presence Rice-chan radiated in the Satsuki Sho—that felt close to Nature’s.

Of course, not quite like Nature during that Kikuka Sho. That version of her was genuinely, terrifyingly intense.

But the seed was there.

Something that made me think:

She’s scary.

That’s why—

Right now, Bourbon-chan needs a weapon.

A final trump card to escape from a fully unleashed, frightening Rice-chan.

---

The mock race concluded without incident.

The result: I won by six lengths.

I’d been told not to hold back at the end, so I kicked into a spurt—just enough to avoid leaving strain in my legs.

To be blunt, it was the expected outcome.

As proven by the fact that no Classic-class winner had ever taken the Takarazuka Kinen before I did, it’s nearly impossible for a Classic runner at this stage to defeat an equally ranked Senior.

Viewed cynically, this race was little more than bullying the weaker side. The outcome was practically predetermined.

…But.

Even a lopsided race can reveal something—if approached seriously.

“Thank you, Wilm-senpai. Thanks to you, I believe I’ve discovered the vector I should aim for.”

After the race, Bourbon-chan’s expression seemed a shade clearer.

Well—she always maintains a poker face, so it’s hard to tell. But by subtle degrees, at least.

I can’t keep helping only Rice-chan and still call myself a proper senpai.

Sometimes, I have to show even my ultimate technique to guide her too.

…Though I couldn’t exactly say something that uncool out loud.

So instead, I smiled and said,

“Do your best. I’m expecting great things from you.”

Sorry for being a slightly uncool senpai, Bourbon-chan.